Next generation logistics hub at Logistics City Milton Keynes places security and cold chain integrity at its core

A major new Grade A logistics development at Logistics City Milton Keynes has been completed in late 2025, delivering a future‑ready distribution facility designed to meet the growing demands of modern supply chains.

Developed by Kier Property, with IC King Associates as architect and Harmonix as main contractor, the scheme forms part of the wider Logistics City concept – a high‑specification environment combining operational efficiency and strategic connectivity. Located just 1.9 miles from Junction 14 of the M1, the site provides outstanding access to national distribution networks, placing 87% of the UK population within a 4.5‑hour drive time.

Designed with security at the forefront

Security has been a key driver in the design of the facility, reflecting increased demand for robust, high‑performance building envelopes within the logistics sector.

ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems supplied and installed four Crawford OH1042P Secured by Design level access sectional doors, delivering enhanced protection without compromising operational efficiency. Each door exceeds four metres in width and is fitted with dual cylinder locks, offering additional resistance against unauthorised access. The lock system is key‑operated and installed internally, allowing controlled access from inside only, or from both the inside and outside where required. The doors are also equipped with simple deadman down operation, ensuring precise and safe control during closing while maintaining a high level of security.

Integrated loading solutions for modern logistics

The facility incorporates 14 loading bays, comprising 10 standard and four tall bays, each engineered to support high‑intensity logistics operations.

Every loading bay is fitted with a Crawford OH1042P Secured by Design dock door, incorporating aluminium rectangular certified burglar‑proof windows that combine visibility with high security performance. These doors form part of a fully integrated loading solution, which includes ASSA ABLOY DL6220T telescopic lip dock levellers, along with dock buffers and wheel guides to support safe and accurate vehicle positioning. External traffic lights and internal dock lighting ensure clear communication and visibility throughout the loading process, helping to maintain operational efficiency within a fast‑moving logistics environment.

Supporting the cold chain

A defining feature of the development is its focus on cold chain integrity, recognising the growing importance of temperature‑controlled logistics across sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals and e‑commerce.

To support this, all loading bays are equipped with the ASSA ABLOY DS6070R inflatable dock shelter, designed to create a tight seal between the building and docked vehicles. This significantly reduces thermal exchange during loading and unloading, helping to maintain internal temperature stability and protect sensitive goods.

The inflatable shelter inflates around the docked vehicle to provide complete sealing and continuous weather protection throughout operations. Its roller-top design automatically adapts to accommodate both low and high vehicles, while also following any vertical movement during loading to ensure consistent tightness. The system delivers a level of sealing performance that exceeds standard operational requirements, making it particularly suited to applications where maintaining the cold chain is critical.

When not in use, the shelter retracts fully behind the side structures, allowing drivers to utilise the full width of the loading bay when reversing into position. Yellow front line indicators support precise docking, while robust collision protection at ramp height helps minimise damage and reduce maintenance requirements over time.

The shelter is installed within a frame construction featuring insulated top and side panels, providing additional thermal performance and contributing to the overall efficiency of the building envelope.

A benchmark for future logistics developments

The completion of Logistics City Milton Keynes highlights how modern logistics hubs are evolving beyond simple warehousing to become highly engineered environments.

By integrating advanced security solutions with cold chain‑ready loading infrastructure, the development sets a new benchmark for resilience, operational performance and asset protection. ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems’ contribution demonstrates the critical role of specialist entrance and loading technologies in enabling logistics operators to maintain product integrity, protect assets and optimise efficiency at every stage of the supply chain.